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Returning Member
posted Mar 15, 2020 11:07:36 AM

Subsistence allowance

I added in my subsistence allowance for SC first responders under my state returns. Im entitled to $8 everyday I worked for the year. I worked 173 days which should add $1,394 to my state tax return. When i go to file turbotax is not adding my subsistence allowance. How to i get it to be added?

0 7 4847
7 Replies
Expert Alumni
Mar 15, 2020 12:22:07 PM

Since you've already entered your South Carolina return, click State in the left pane of TurboTax Online, and then click Continue or Edit next to the state. 

Then, answer the questions on the first few screens, until you come to a page Here's the income that South Carolina handles differently

Towards the bottom of that page, you'll see a heading Public service, then just below that, "Subsistence Allowance."  Click Start or Edit to enter your information.

Returning Member
Mar 15, 2020 12:33:33 PM

I have entered the subsistence allowance but it will not add it to my SC refund

Expert Alumni
Mar 16, 2020 8:24:45 AM

The SC subsistence allowance is a subtraction from income, thus it reduces your SC taxable income.  It does not add directly to your tax liability or to your refund.

 

On your SC1040, the subsistence allowance is shown on line s of the Subtractions from Federal Taxable Income section.

Level 1
Feb 3, 2022 11:08:14 AM

Why would it be added on lines of the  "Subtractions from Federal Taxable Income section" if your answer previous to this says to go to the state tax return section. I'm confused.

Expert Alumni
Feb 3, 2022 2:11:10 PM

South Carolina figures what you pay taxes on differently from the federal government. 

 

So, in order to show what is taxed differently in South Carolina the TurboTax program starts with your federal income. 

 

Then, if South Carolina adds taxes for some reason then your South Carolina taxable income would show as 'Additions to federal income' in order to arrive at a total that is the South Carolina taxable income. 

 

In this case the subsistence allowance reduces the amount of income that you pay taxes on so the South Carolina Taxable income is the federal taxable income MINUS the subsistence allowance.

 

 

Level 1
Feb 3, 2022 2:18:11 PM

Awesome! Thank you

 

New Member
Jan 28, 2023 8:14:38 AM

.